How to text Colombia: A guide to business communication

Are you struggling to send text messages to Colombia? Whether you're a business owner, marketer, or salesperson, we’ve got you covered. Sending text messages (also called SMS) to Colombia is easy, but it requires attention to detail to ensure your message gets delivered. This guide will cover the ins and outs of texting to Colombia, including formatting, country codes, and regulatory compliance.

Sending a text to Colombia

In Colombia, phone numbers consist of ten digits. The first digit is a regional identifier, followed by a three-digit area code and a six-digit subscriber number.

Colombia phone number formatting

When sending a text message to a Colombian phone number, ensure you format the number correctly. Unlike dialing a number locally within Colombia, where you might need to use additional prefixes, sending a text message requires only the ten-digit number.

For example, for a number in Bogotá, you'd use the format: 1 489 2930, where "1" is the area code for Bogotá.

Colombia's country code

To send a text to Colombia from abroad, you must include Colombia's country code, +57. This code informs the mobile network that the message is intended for a recipient in Colombia.

To add the country code, simply type "+57" before the ten-digit phone number. For instance, a number in Bogotá would be formatted as +57 1 489 2930.

After ensuring the phone number is correctly formatted with the country code, enter it into the recipient field of your messaging app and send your message. Proper formatting is crucial to ensure the message is delivered successfully.

Staying compliant while texting Colombia

Businesses sending SMS messages in Colombia must comply with regulations set by the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology (MinTIC) and the Communications Regulation Commission (CRC). These regulations are part of Colombia's broader data protection framework, primarily governed by Law 1581 of 2012 and its implementing Decree 1377 of 2013.

Key rules include obtaining explicit consent from recipients before sending messages and providing clear opt-out mechanisms. Messages should not contain prohibited content like financial information or sensitive personal data as defined by Law 1581. The content must be transparent about its purpose and the sender's identity.

Violations can result in significant fines or sanctions imposed by the Superintendence of Industry and Commerce (SIC), Colombia's data protection authority. Businesses must ensure compliance with data protection laws, maintain detailed records of consent, and implement appropriate security measures to protect personal data.

It's crucial for companies to stay updated with regulatory changes and regularly review their SMS marketing practices to avoid legal penalties and maintain consumer trust.

Four steps to text Colombia

Now that you understand the formatting requirements and regulatory compliance, you can send your first text message to Colombia. Use the following steps to send your message:

1. Inspect the number to ensure it's in the correct format.
2. Add Colombia's country code (+57).
3. Include the appropriate area code for the recipient's location in Colombia. For example, Bogotá's area code is 1.
4. Input the correctly formatted number into the "Recipient" field and compose your message.

For example, a properly formatted mobile number in Bogotá, Colombia would look like this: +57 1 234 5678.

Now that you know how to format and send a text message to Colombia, it's important to follow some best practices to ensure your messages are delivered successfully and comply with local regulations.

Best practices for texting Colombian numbers

When sending SMS marketing messages to numbers in Colombia, businesses must consider several key factors to ensure compliance with local regulations and enhance campaign effectiveness.

Colombia has specific rules regarding the timing of SMS messages. Businesses should avoid sending messages outside designated hours, typically between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. local time, unless prior consent is obtained from the recipient for other times.

Messages should be brief, conveying information in as few characters as possible while maintaining clarity, adhering to the technical limit of 160 characters per SMS.

Businesses must register their sender IDs with the appropriate authorities to prevent messages from being blocked or marked as spam. They should also adhere to Colombia's strict SMS spam and privacy regulations, ensuring messages are not unwanted and that customer data is collected and used in compliance with local laws. The Federal Consumer Protection Agency regulations play a vital role in enforcing these standards.

Verification of phone numbers is crucial to avoid delivery issues. Businesses should double-check numbers for accuracy and formatting. This practice aligns with SMS best practices, which recommend personalizing messages and providing clear opt-out options.

By following these guidelines and ensuring compliance with SMS regulations, businesses can effectively engage with their audience in Colombia while minimizing legal risks.

Choosing the right greeting for your text message to Colombia

When sending text messages in Colombia, choosing the appropriate greeting is crucial for setting the right tone and ensuring your message resonates with the recipient. The greeting you choose should align with the context and the relationship you have with the recipient.

Formal greetings

For formal messages, especially in professional or business contexts, using a respectful and courteous greeting is essential. A common formal greeting in Colombia is "Estimado/a" (Dear), followed by the recipient’s name.

For instance, you might write, “Estimado Sr. García” or “Estimada Sra. Martínez.” This greeting establishes a professional tone and conveys respect.

In addition to "Estimado/a," you can use "Cordial saludo" (Warm regards) as an opening line, which is formal yet friendly. For example, you could start with, “Cordial saludo, Dr. López.”

Informal greetings

For more casual interactions, such as messaging friends or close acquaintances, a relaxed and friendly greeting is appropriate. "Hola" (Hi) is a versatile and widely used greeting. You might say, “Hola, Juan” or “Hola, María.”

Another common informal greeting is "¿Qué más?" (What’s up?), which is very colloquial and popular among Colombians. For instance, you could text, “¿Qué más, Laura?”

Contextual considerations

It's important to consider the context and timing of your message. Colombians value politeness and respect, so even in informal settings, starting with a greeting before diving into the main content of your message is recommended. Additionally, avoid texting too early in the morning or late at night unless it's urgent, as this can be seen as intrusive.

By selecting the right greeting and being mindful of formality and context, you can create a positive impression and foster effective communication when texting someone in Colombia.

Text Colombia: How to get started

When sending SMS messages to Colombia, understanding the formatting and regulatory compliance is crucial to ensure your messages are delivered successfully. Whether for personal communication or business purposes, it's essential to stay informed about local regulations and best practices.

Telnyx is a next-gen communications platform that offers a global private IP network, multi-cloud redundancy, and carrier-grade services. Our developer-friendly SMS API allows you to seamlessly integrate messaging capabilities into your existing applications. We provide support and guidance to help you navigate the complexities of international communication and ensure your messages reach their intended audience.

With competitive pricing and a wide variety of phone numbers in over 140 countries, Telnyx offers cost-effective messaging solutions tailored to your needs. Our deliverability reports help optimize your messaging campaigns, ensuring high engagement and effectiveness. Implementing Telnyx's services is straightforward, thanks to our comprehensive feature set and user-friendly interface.

Note: This is not legal advice. Consult your legal team and the appropriate regulatory authorities before beginning an SMS message campaign in Colombia.